The essentials
- The most commonly used bedroom paint is a water-based paint, known as “waterborne”: few solvents, quick drying and no odour.
- For an adult bedroom, a matt finish is the most common: it reduces reflections and hides wall imperfections.
- Satin, which is brighter, is more often used for children’s bedroom paint.
- For a child’s bedroom, organic paints made from vegetable oils (castor, linseed and soya) and bearing the NF Environnement label guarantee the complete absence of heavy metals.
- Specialist paints are available in pollution-absorbing, insulating and soundproofing versions.
- In a child’s bedroom, the colour should be chosen based on a theme defined beforehand, with a dominant colour and walls that are not overloaded with either colours or accessories.
Which paint should you choose for your bedroom or your children’s? Finding and applying the paint that will showcase your décor, your designer furniture and, of course, everyone’s little world is an art in itself. With our decorating advice, you’ll get everyone in the house on the same page...
Which paint should you choose for an adult bedroom?
For an adult bedroom, matt water-based paint remains the benchmark: it dries quickly, produces no odour, is UV-resistant and minimises wall imperfections. Apply one primer coat, followed by one or two finish coats depending on the intensity of the desired colour.
What type of paint should you choose?
There is no secret: the most commonly used bedroom paint is a water-based paint. Also known as “waterborne”, it offers many advantages, including a low solvent content, ultra-fast drying and no odour. In the long term, it provides exceptional UV resistance and does not yellow at all. It also makes cleaning your tools easier.
How many coats of paint should be applied?
Bedroom paint should be applied in several coats. Once you have chosen your paint, you can get down to work.
There are two possible scenarios:
- you want to paint tone-on-tone over a light-coloured wall (in perfect condition, of course): one coat of paint is sufficient, provided that you have first applied a primer coat.
- you want to repaint a surface with intense colours: applying a single-coat paint must be followed by a second finish coat.
NB: when painting, protection is the key to success! Make sure you cover all your furniture with newspapers and an old sheet. It would be a shame to stain your baroque chest of drawers or your designer leather sofa... Even though water-based paint is washable.
Matt or satin finish for bedroom paint?
For bedroom paint, the most common and suitable finish seems to be matt. Ideal for low-traffic living spaces, it reduces reflections and gives your walls a soft, intimate and understated effect.
Another significant advantage is that it more easily “forgives” wall imperfections and drips. Satin, which is brighter, is more often used for children’s bedroom paint.
Which paint should you choose for a child’s bedroom? Choose organic
For a child’s bedroom, opt for natural paint. Organic paints made from vegetable oils (castor, linseed and soya), as well as those bearing the NF Environnement label, guarantee the complete absence of heavy metals, unlike conventional paints, which release certain toxic substances.
Paint for a child’s bedroom deserves particular attention. Considering how boisterous your little ones can sometimes be, choosing natural paint for their bedroom is a sensible option.
While conventional paints still release certain toxic substances, albeit in tiny quantities, organic paints made from vegetable oils (castor, linseed and soya), as well as those bearing the NF Environnement label, guarantee the complete absence of heavy metals. Their covering power is at least equal to that of “chemical” paints. The only drawbacks are a more limited range of colours and a higher price. But for baby bedroom paint, it is a particularly worthwhile investment!
Which colour and theme should you choose for a child’s bedroom?
In a child’s bedroom, colour is not chosen in isolation: first define a theme with a dominant colour, then adjust the entire décor accordingly. This avoids mixing several different styles that both children and parents can quickly tire of.
From city, girly and jungle styles to bohemian or mixed styles, the choice is vast and it is often difficult to imagine the long term: tastes and colour preferences change very quickly with age. Instagram and Pinterest boards remain the two best sources for finding themes, more or less colourful atmospheres and accessories before deciding on a shade.
How can you decorate the walls without overloading them?
Wall décor is often overlooked, even though it is what dresses the room and brings everything together. Once the paint has been applied, a few simple rules are all you need:
- keep the walls from becoming too busy with either colours or accessories;
- use wall decorations sparingly: a few stickers, posters, decorative frames or a string of lights;
- be bold with a themed wallpaper to reinforce the bedroom’s main theme;
- avoid mixing several different styles on the same wall.
Which furniture should you pair with the paint for a bedroom that will last?
Since paint is easier to redo than furniture, opt for timeless, gender-neutral pieces that work equally well in a girl’s or boy’s bedroom: storage chests of drawers, bedside tables, desks, colourful beanbags and cosy armchairs for reading stories. These pieces provide storage, leave room to play and can stay with your children even after they leave home. Only the accessories and wall elements, which are easier to replace, will evolve with your child.
What are specialist paints?
There are so-called “specialist” paints that offer protection against certain everyday aggressions. Three main categories share the market:
- pollution-absorbing paints: they absorb certain carcinogenic substances in the air, such as cigarette smoke. Ideal for children suffering from asthma.
- insulating paints: they retain heat in the air, thereby reducing condensation.
- soundproofing paints: they reduce ambient noise, particularly that produced by household appliances.
You now know about the many options available when it comes to bedroom paint. All that remains is to make your choice! It all depends on your budget, practical constraints and aspirations. One final—and very wise—piece of advice: do not hesitate to seek advice from a professional painter before undertaking major work!
FAQ: bedroom paint questions answered
What paint should be used for an adult bedroom?
A water-based, or waterborne, paint with a matt finish. It contains few solvents, dries very quickly, produces no odour, is UV-resistant and does not yellow.
Should you apply one or two coats of paint in a bedroom?
One coat of paint is sufficient for painting tone-on-tone over a light-coloured wall in perfect condition, provided that a primer coat has first been applied. For intense colours, add a second finish coat.
Matt or satin: which finish is best for a bedroom?
A matt finish is the most common choice for an adult bedroom: it reduces reflections, creates a soft effect and hides wall imperfections. Satin, which is brighter, is generally reserved for children’s bedrooms.
Where should you start when decorating a child’s bedroom?
Start by choosing a theme with a dominant colour, even before buying the paint. The entire décor can then be coordinated around this theme. This step prevents you from mixing several different styles that you—and your child—could quickly grow tired of.
What paint should be used for a baby’s bedroom?
An organic paint made from vegetable oil (castor, linseed or soya) or bearing the NF Environnement label, with no heavy metals. Its covering power is equal to that of chemical paints, with a more limited range of colours and a higher price.
